Advent Wreath
Tradition and symbolism go hand in hand with Christmas and Advent. Advent in France is a time of waiting and preparing for Christmas. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and has traditions associated with the occasion. Some are the Advent wreath and Advent Calendars.
To find out more about Advent calendars, read our full blog post on Advent Calendars, dedicated to the history of the calendar and how you can make one for yourself. To see our own Advent Calendar with 24 gorgeous snowy, twinkling photos from all over France go to AFC's Advent Calendar. In this post here I'll share everything you need to know about Advent Wreaths.
In France the period of Advent is very much welcomed as a happy time of waiting helping to make the lead up to Christmas fun and to bring joy during a season of long, dark and usually cold days.
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The Shape of an Advent Wreath
The wreath is used because of its round or circular shape which is likened to the crown (or ring) of thorns that Christ wore on the day of the Crucifixion.
On researching wreaths I've also found some alternative ideas about the round shape. I found that the round shape represents the sun and the predominant colour of green symbolises new life or spring.
What is an Advent Wreath Made Of?
Advent wreaths are made up of foliage in the shape of a circle or wreath, four candles and other various decorations, for example holly sprigs, mistletoe or ribbons. Find out how to make a wreath from foraged leaves and flowers in our tutorial post, How to Make a Wreath.
Advent wreaths (la couronne de l'Avent) are typically made of fir and pine tree branches intertwined together to make a circular shape. They are often handmade but there are also numerous ready made options available. Commercially made wreaths are not always made of look alike fir or pine needles, and even not always green. However a very traditional wreath will have natural fir or pine tree branches and red bows decorating the wreath. An essential element of an Advent wreath is the four candles either constructed to sit on top of the pine branches or within the circular wreath.
What Do the Candles on an Advent Wreath Mean?
The number of candles relates to the four seasons and the four cardinal points. Added to that, the candles also refer to the the four momentous occasions Messiah's coming is announced throughout the Bible.
Going through the occasions chronologically as they appear in the Bible, the first candle symbolises the forgiveness of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The second candle speaks of the faith of Abraham and the old patriarchs to whom the Promised Land was promised to and the third candle symbolises King David's joy on the making of his covenant with God. Lastly, the fourth candle relates to the acknowledgement of the prophet's teachings of a time when peace and justice prevails over all. Its lighting also announces that Christmas is very near.
Where Do You Put an Advent Wreath?
Where you place your Advent wreath will mostly depend on how your candles are attached and how your wreath can safely be displayed and enjoyed. Usually wreaths are placed on tables, sideboards or on window ledges where their glow can be seen from outside. The window ledges of our French country home are about 80cm deep which is the depth of the stone walls so it's the perfect spot for our twinkling wreath.
Advent wreaths look lovely hanging beside fireplace mantles or on doors, but the candles need to be securely attached and pose no fire threat.
So now you know about Advent wreaths, read about Advent calendars, our first Christmas in France and French Christmas Traditions.
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